University students presenting for psychiatric emergency services: Socio-demographic and clinical factors related to service utilization and suicide risk

Objective:Given increases in mental health utilization among college and university students, this study examines clinical and socio-demographic characteristics in students presenting to psychiatric emergency services.Participants:University students (N = 725; Mage = 22 years, SD = 4.0; 67% White) visiting psychiatric emergency services at a large academic health system between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2016.Methods:A retrospective review of students' electronic medical records, which included responses to the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, was conducted.Results:Levels of suicide risk varied by students' self-identified race. Nonwhite students were more likely to endorse a suicide attempt in the past week and less likely to be taking psychiatric medications than White students. International students were more likely to report a lifetime history of multiple attempts.Conclusions:Disparities related to college student psychiatric emergencies warrant specific attention to specific racial/ethnic groups and international students to reduce and manage mental health crises.